Drop and slide mechanism for use with dunnage conversion machine and method

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a dunnage conversion machine (30) for converting a stock material into a dunnage product, a stock material support (22) for a supply of stock material to be fed to the dunnage conversion machine, and a drop-and-slide mechanism (34) configured to allow the stock material support to be moved between an operating position and a loading position, which is spaced both horizontally and vertically from the operating position. The drop-and-slide mechanism includes a guide member (40) and a slide (42) to which the stock material support is mounted. The slide is supported by the guide member for horizontal movement relative to the guide member. A packer can pull the slide horizontally away from the operating position, causing the stock support to fall to the loading position, and the packer can push the slide away from the loading position, causing the stock support to rise to the operating position.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 175,176, filed May 4, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is related to the field of dunnage conversion machines, and more particularly to a dunnage conversion machine and method with a movable stock material support.BACKGROUND[0003]Dunnage conversion machines convert a stock material into a dunnage product. Dunnage products are used for packaging articles in boxes so that the articles do not move around during shipment. One type of dunnage conversion machine converts a sheet stock material, such as paper, into a relatively thicker and less dense dunnage product as the stock material moves from an upstream end of the machine to a downstream end of the machine. Exemplary dunnage conversion machines of this type include those shown and described in the following patent documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,209; 5,487,717; 5,803,893; and 7,186,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]When the supply of stock material is located on an opposite side of the work surface from the packer, it can be difficult or time-consuming for the packer to replenish the supply. When a dunnage conversion machine or a supply of stock material are mounted above the work surface, the elevated position can make it difficult to access the conversion machine and / or stock material supply to inspect and repair the machine or to replenish the supply of stock material. The invention described in the following paragraphs makes it easier to access an elevated dunnage conversion machine or supply of stock material.

Problems solved by technology

When the supply of stock material is located on an opposite side of the work surface from the packer, it can be difficult or time-consuming for the packer to replenish the supply.

When a dunnage conversion machine or a supply of stock material are mounted above the work surface, the elevated position can make it difficult to access the conversion machine and / or stock material supply to inspect and repair the machine or to replenish the supply of stock material.

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